Yosemite Museum and Visitor Center

The Yosemite Museum was completed in 1925, designed by architect Herbert Maier in the newly emerging National Park Service Rustic Style. Though few realize it, the Yosemite Museum was the first building constructed as a museum in the national park system, and its educational initiatives served as a model for parks nationwide. The partnership created to fund the museum is also significant. The Yosemite Museum Association was formed to handle the funds for building construction in 1923. This association was the first non-profit cooperating association for the National Park Service, serving as a model for the associations that now exist for parks nationwide.  The museum building is now over 80 years old. Over the years, the interior of this building has been modified to accommodate staff and storage needs. Discussions have been ongoing with a desire to address renovation and, where necessary, expansion of the museum to house the exhibits, museum storage, work spaces, library and archives.